The maximum lifespan (MLS) of Homo sapiens is substantially greater than that of our closest relatives, the non-human primates. Since evolutionary divergence from a common primate ancestor occurred relatively recently, the genetic changes affecting MLS must have occurred quickly. The evolution of MLS is generally explainable as a pleiotropic effect of genetic material that speeds or postpones cellular damage. However, in humans it can be argued that direct selection for longevity is plausible: through mechanisms of personal fitness among males and inclusive fitness among females. A flaw to such an explanatory approach is that it is non-falsifiable.
